The 2012 National Training Conference on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and Environmental Conditions in Communities will be held April 11-13, 2012 in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), and the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) are co-sponsors of the 2012 conference and have chosen the theme of Understanding the Past and Promoting a Sustainable Future.

The National Training Conference on the Toxics Release Inventory and Environmental Conditions in Communities was formerly known as the TRI National Training Conference. Since its implementation over 20 years ago, the Toxics Release Inventory has made information on toxic chemical releases and waste management activities available to the public. TRI information is reported annually by certain industries as well as federal facilities (for more information the TRI program visit www.epa.gov/tri).

Conference Structure: A first and second days (April 11th and 12th) will be open to all stakeholders and the general public. The third day, April 13th, will be a half-day session for US EPA, States, and Tribes.

Why You Should Consider Attending: The Conferenceserves as the principal nationwide event for the TRI community. The leading members of the TRI and environmental conditions community are either in attendance, presenting, or have submitted their work in the form of a demonstration or poster. The diverse attendance provides a perfect networking opportunity for all.

The theme, Understanding the Past and Promoting a Sustainable Future, offers a plethora of presentation topics that will engage participants. Below are topic examples that laid the foundation for the Call for Abstracts:

Industry achievements in pollution prevention and sustainability

Using TRI data to enhance community engagement;

Pollution prevention initiatives in both state and federal organizations;

Efforts to improve environmental conditions on Tribal lands;

Finding, understanding and using environmental information and analytical tools;

Innovative ways of communicating and understanding TRI data; and

New research focusing on TRI data and other environmental information.

Hotel Accommodations: A block of rooms is being held for attendees at the Hyatt Regency Washington hotel for the nights of April 9, 2012 – April 13, 2012. Please contact the hotel directly at 888-421-1442 to make your reservation and reference the “2012 TRI Conference “.

Reservations must be made by Friday, March 16th, 2012 in order to obtain the special government room rate of $224.00, plus tax for single or double-occupancy. After this date, reservations will be accepted on a space- and rate-available basis only.

Travel and Transportation: The conference is conveniently located in Washington, DC near Union Station. It is a short distance from Reagan National Airport (Metro/Taxi) and shuttle/taxi/rental car from Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport. Union Station is steps away from the Conference where Amtrak and Washington’s Metro system can be utilized. Please click here for more transportation information.

Over 80 abstracts were submitted for oral presentations and demonstrations! All stakeholder groups were incorporated into the Conference which will lead to exciting networking opportunities, dynamic discussions, and a conference full of valuable information.

Join us for the exciting 2012 National Training Conference on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and Environmental Conditions in Communities being held on April 11-13, 2012 in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

Travel Scholarships will be available on a limited basis to offset travel costs and registration fees for qualifying attendees.

Who is eligible for a travel scholarship to cover travel, hotel, and registration costs?

One TRI representative from each state is eligible for a travel scholarship to cover travel, hotel, and registration costs. A limited number of representatives from tribes, non-profit organizations, and local government officials are also eligible for travel scholarships that may cover travel, hotel, and registration costs.

How do I apply for a travel scholarship?

E-mail Bryan Shipley of the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) at bshipley@ecos.org to request a travel scholarship by March 1st, 2012.

You will be notified in writing (by e-mail) if you have been awarded a scholarship. Only those conference participants who have written confirmation of a scholarship will be able to receive reimbursements following the conference.

There are excellent opportunities for your organization to market and showcase your important contributions, technologies, and products to the leading members of the TRI and environmental community.

If you are interested in taking part in the benefits of becoming a sponsor of the 2012 National Training Conference on the Toxics Release Inventory and Environmental Conditions in Communities, please contact Bryan Shipley at bshipley@ecos.org.

The Conference includes informative exhibit booths and posters for additional sources of information for conference participants. Several exhibitors will also be presenting their demonstrations and tools during the sessions. The agenda allows for numerous opportunities to visit the booth and poster areas, therefore we encourage participants to stop by to network and learn more on the services, information, and resources presented.

Exhibit Booths: This year’s exhibit booths will include offerings from the following: The EPA, Abt Associates, Booze Allen Hamilton, the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribe, Western Washington University and more.

Local Attractions

Spring is one of the best times to visit Washington, DC! There is a high probability the famed Cherry Blossoms will be in bloom. If you have time, stay the weekend after the conference and take in the National Cherry Blossom Parade and the Japanese Street Festival.

The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is a short distance to the following Washington landmarks and activities: